Peyote Stitch Bead Count Calculator
Calculate the number of beads and thread length needed for flat, circular, and tubular peyote stitch projects.
What is peyote stitch?
Peyote stitch (also called gourd stitch) is one of the most popular bead weaving techniques. Beads interlock in a brick-like offset pattern, creating a flexible, fabric-like surface. It can be worked flat, tubular, or circular, and is used for bracelets, pendants, vessels, and decorative covers.
Flat peyote bead count formula:
For even-count flat peyote:
Total beads = Columns × Rows
Where:
- Columns = Width of piece measured in beads across
- Rows = Number of bead rows in length
Width (mm) = Columns × Bead width
Length (mm) = Rows × (Bead height / 2) (beads offset by half)
Bead size reference (Miyuki Delica / seed beads):
| Size | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Hole Size | Beads per cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 mm | 7.7 |
| 11/0 Delica | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.8 mm | 6.3 |
| 11/0 Seed | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 mm | 5.6 |
| 8/0 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 0.9 mm | 4.0 |
| 6/0 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 1.0 mm | 3.0 |
Thread length formula:
Thread length (cm) = Total beads × (Bead width + 1 mm for travel) + 20 cm (tail allowance per thread)
Number of thread lengths = Total thread / Comfortable working length (150–180 cm)
Example calculation (flat bracelet, 11/0 Delicas):
Target: 18 cm long × 2.5 cm wide bracelet
- Columns: 2.5 cm / 0.16 cm = 15.6 → 16 columns (round to even for even-count)
- Rows: 18 cm / 0.065 cm = 276.9 → 277 rows
- Total beads: 16 × 277 = 4,432 beads
- Thread: 4,432 × 0.26 cm = 1,152 cm + 20 cm tail = 1,172 cm (~11.7 m)
- Thread pieces: 1,172 / 170 = ~7 thread lengths
Tubular peyote formula:
Circumference beads = Target circumference / Bead width (round to even number)
Rows = Target length / (Bead height / 2)
Total beads = Circumference beads × Rows
Bead quantities and grams:
| Size | Beads per gram | 1,000 beads = | 5,000 beads = |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | ~290 | 3.4 g | 17.2 g |
| 11/0 Delica | ~190 | 5.3 g | 26.3 g |
| 11/0 Seed | ~110 | 9.1 g | 45.5 g |
| 8/0 | ~38 | 26.3 g | 131.6 g |
Thread type recommendations:
Use FireLine (6 lb test) or KO thread for most peyote work. Nymo is more flexible but stretches over time. FireLine does not stretch and passes through beads more easily due to its thin profile.
Add 10–15% extra beads to account for irregular beads, mistakes, and pattern adjustments. Delica beads are very consistent; seed beads have more size variation and need a larger margin.